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Minchiate Al Cigno: Bologna 1775 Ca.: Anima Antiqua Lo Scarabeo

Lo Scarabeo
Reader rating
4.5
(1 reviews) 164 sold
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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Unearth the arcane artistry of 18th-century Bologna with this exquisite Minchiate deck reproduction.

Delve into the rich history of card games with this meticulously crafted reproduction of the "Al Cigno" Minchiate deck, originally produced in Bologna around 1775. Lo Scarabeo has faithfully recreated these high-quality cards, offering enthusiasts a tangible link to an earlier era of play and symbolism. This deck, vital for the unique Florentine game of Minchiate, serves as both a collector's treasure and a window into the intricate designs and cultural significance of historical playing cards.

Key themes
The Game of Minchiate Eighteenth-Century Craftsmanship
Historical context

This reproduction captures the arcane artistry of 18th-century Bologna, preserving the intricate designs and cultural significance of historical playing cards for modern enthusiasts. It serves as a tangible link to the esoteric traditions associated with the Florentine game of Minchiate.

Difficulty
● Easy
Fans will love it
Arthur Edward Waite · Pamela Colman Smith · Aleister Crowley
🕯️ Occult Philosophy
🏛 Llewellyn Publications 📅 2023 📐 Other ISBN: 9780738775883
Fun fact
Lo Scarabeo's "Minchiate Al Cigno" is a triumph of historical preservation, offering an unparalleled, high-quality reproduction that feels remarkably authentic. It excels in delivering a tangible piece of 18th-century card game history. Those seeking a modern tarot guide or extensive interpretive text will find it lacking, as its primary purpose is fidelity to the original artifact. This deck sits proudly in the niche of historical esoterica and card game studies, a must-have for serious collectors and academic enthusiasts.

📝 Description: Minchiate Al Cigno: Bologna 1775 Ca.: Anima Antiqua Lo Scarabeo

Perfect for collectors and history buffs, this premium reproduction offers high-quality cards that remain true to the original deck produced by a manufacturer called Al Cigno around 1775 in Bologna, Italy. Created for the Florentine game of Minchiate, ...

💎 Expert review

💎
Esoterica Books editorial team
Occult literature desk
Lo Scarabeo’s reproduction is a stunning archival achievement, faithfully recreating the high-quality cards vital for the unique Florentine game of Minchiate. The intricate designs serve as both a collector's treasure and an educational tool for understanding historical symbolism. However, this volume does NOT suit readers seeking a comprehensive guide to gameplay rules or deep theoretical analysis of tarot structure. It is purely a visual and historical artifact. Those looking for practical instruction on how to play Minchiate may find the text lacking, while casual readers might prefer lighter introductions. It is best appreciated by those already interested in the physical history of esoteric tools rather than abstract theory.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Enthusiasts of esoteric history and tarot symbolism will find profound value in this meticulously crafted reproduction. By offering a faithful recreation of the 'Al Cigno' Minchiate deck from Bologna, Lo Scarabeo provides collectors with more than just cards; they offer a window into an earlier era of play and spiritual significance. This deck is ideal for those who appreciate the tangible connection to past rituals and the unique aesthetic of 18th-century Italian occultism. Whether used for study or as a collector's treasure, it bridges the gap between historical artifact and modern practice, allowing readers to engage directly with the visual language of the Minchiate tradition.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —
⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5
★★★★
For the discerning collector of historical esoterica, the card game enthusiast, or anyone fascinated by 18th-century cultural artifacts, this reproduction offers an invaluable touchstone. If you cherish authenticity and the tactile experience of history, these cards await your hands.

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 1 reviews
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Esoterica Books editorial team

Lo Scarabeo’s reproduction is a stunning archival achievement, faithfully recreating the high-quality cards vital for the unique Florentine game of Minchiate. The intricate designs serve as both a collector's treasure and an educational tool for understanding historical symbolism. However, this volume does NOT suit readers seeking a comprehensive guide to gameplay rules or deep theoretical analysis of tarot structure. It is purely a visual and historical artifact. Those looking for practical instruction on how to play Minchiate may find the text lacking, while casual readers might prefer lighter introductions. It is best appreciated by those already interested in the physical history of esoteric tools rather than abstract theory.

❓ Frequently asked questions

No, this is a premium reproduction meticulously crafted by Lo Scarabeo, designed to be an exact replica of the 1775 Al Cigno deck from Bologna.
Minchiate is an historical Italian card game, primarily associated with Florence, which utilizes an expanded 97-card deck, adding astrological and elemental trumps to the standard tarot structure. While the deck is for the game, its symbolism also holds esoteric interest.

📖 Who should read this

For the discerning collector of historical esoterica, the card game enthusiast, or anyone fascinated by 18th-century cultural artifacts, this reproduction offers an invaluable touchstone. If you cherish authenticity and the tactile experience of history, these cards await your hands.

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

The Game of Minchiate

Explore the unique rules and strategic depth of Minchiate, a complex card game originating from Florence. This deck provides the perfect medium to engage with or study this distinct historical pastime, which expanded upon traditional tarot structures with additional trumps, creating a rich tapestry for play.

Eighteenth-Century Craftsmanship

Experience the artistic and manufacturing standards of the late 18th century through these carefully reproduced cards. From the card stock feel to the specific artistic rendering, the deck showcases the historical evolution of card production, offering insight into the aesthetic sensibilities of Bolognese artisans from that period.

💬 Quotes from the book

“Each card, a silent echo from 1775, invites touch and contemplation, bridging centuries with its finely rendered symbolism.”

“Beyond mere play, these figures whisper of an era when art, game, and esoteric thought intertwined in every shuffle.”

📜 Historical context

The Minchiate deck represents a significant branch in the evolution of playing cards, expanding upon the traditional 78-card tarot. Originating in Florence, these unique 97-card decks gained popularity across Italy, incorporating additional astrological and elemental trumps. The Al Cigno deck from Bologna in 1775 places this particular reproduction firmly within the vibrant tradition of Italian card artistry and play during the Enlightenment era.

📚 Glossary

Minchiate
Al Cigno
Bologna 1775 Ca.

📔 Questions to reflect on

  1. How might the expanded symbolism of a Minchiate deck, beyond traditional tarot, influence a divinatory reading or personal reflection?
  2. Consider the role of card games in 18th-century society. How did they function as both entertainment and a vehicle for cultural expression or esoteric study?
  3. Choose one card from this historical deck (imagined or researched) and explore its potential meanings through the lens of both the 18th century and your own contemporary understanding.

📖 From the series “Lo Scarabeo Anima Antiqua”

All books in the series →